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This page provides the answers to class members’ most frequently asked questions.

The information provided is in summary form and is not intended as a complete explanation of your rights. For full and complete information, you are directed to review carefully the Notice of Class Action Settlement.

If you do not find an answer to your question here, please contact us directly.

About The Settlement

What is this lawsuit about?

The lawsuit alleges that Defendants violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) with respect to the Plan. The individual who is pursuing the lawsuit (the “Plaintiff”) claims, among other things, that the Defendants authorized the Plan to pay unreasonably high fees for recordkeeping and administrative services.

Defendants deny the allegations in the lawsuit and contend that their conduct was entirely lawful and proper. Defendants have asserted, and would assert should the litigation continue, a number of defenses to Plaintiff’s claims.

Why is there a Settlement?

The Parties have agreed to the Settlement after extensive negotiations. By agreeing to the Settlement, the Parties avoid the costs and risks of further litigation, and Plaintiff and the other Settlement Class Members will receive a Settlement payment. Counsel for the Settlement Class (“Class Counsel”) has conducted a review of the evidence in the case and the potential risks and benefits of continued litigation and believes that the Settlement is in the best interest of the Settlement Class. The Court has not made any finding that Defendants have done anything wrong or violated any law or regulation.

How do I know if I am part of the Settlement?

You are included as a Settlement Class Member if you had a positive account balance in, or were a beneficiary of someone who had a positive account balance in, the Plan at any time from September 16, 2016 through March 31, 2024.

What does the Settlement provide?

Plaintiff and Defendants have agreed to a settlement that involves monetary payments to Settlement Class Members. These and other terms of the Settlement are set forth in the Class Action Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims dated February 28, 2024 (“Settlement Agreement”), and described briefly below.

As part of the Settlement, Defendants have agreed to make a one-time payment of $725,000 (the “Settlement Amount”). After deduction from the Settlement Amount for any amounts that the Court approves for settlement-related expenses (including “Class Representative Service Award” to Plaintiff, “Attorneys’ Fees and Costs” to Class Counsel, certain “Administrative Costs,” and “Taxes” and “Tax-Related Costs” (all as defined in the Settlement Agreement)), the remainder of the Settlement Amount (known as the “Distributable Settlement Amount”) will be distributed to Settlement Class Members. Monies will be distributed in accordance with the Plan of Allocation set forth in Exhibit C to the Settlement Agreement.

You may be eligible to receive a portion of the Distributable Settlement Amount if you are a Settlement Class Member. Whether or not a person qualifies as a Settlement Class Member and is eligible for a portion of the Distributable Settlement Amount will be based on the Plan’s records.

Current Participants will have their share of the Settlement proceeds deposited in their Plan account, provided that they still have one on March 31, 2024.

Former Participants who are entitled to a distribution will receive their Settlement proceeds by check, unless they submit a Rollover Form directing the Settlement Administrator to roll over their payment to another tax-qualified retirement account. Rollover Forms can be obtained on the Settlement Website.

To avoid disproportionate expenses, the Parties have agreed that no distribution will be made to any Settlement Class Member who would otherwise be entitled to an amount of less than $25 from the Distributable Settlement Amount. As a result, it is possible that you are a Settlement Class Member but will receive no share of the Settlement proceeds.

How can I receive my distribution?

You do not need to file a claim. If the Court approves the Settlement, you will get a share of the Settlement benefits to which you are entitled.

When will I get my payment?

The timing of the distribution of the Distributable Settlement Amount is conditioned on several factors, including the Court’s final approval of the Settlement and the expiration of any period to appeal the final approval. If one is filed, an appeal of the final approval order may take many months or even years. If the Settlement is approved by the Court, and there are no appeals, the Settlement distribution likely will occur within six months of the Court’s Final Approval Order.

There will be no payments under the Settlement if the Settlement Agreement is terminated.

There will be no payments to Participants who would otherwise be entitled to an amount of less than $25 from the Distributable Settlement Amount.

Can I get out of the Settlement?

The Settlement does not allow any Settlement Class Members to exclude themselves from the Settlement or decide not to be a part of the Settlement. While some class action settlements allow class members to “opt out” of a settlement, because of the nature of the claims Plaintiff has asserted in this lawsuit, Settlement Class Members do not have any right to opt out.

How do I tell the Court I do not like the Settlement?

Prior to the Final Approval Hearing, Settlement Class Members will have the opportunity to object to approval of the Settlement or the requested Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses and Class Representative’s Service Award. To object, you must send your objection to the Court, at U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60604, and to the Parties.

See your Notice for complete instructions.